Every time I put my fingers through my hair, a few more strands cling to my hands. They fall, noiseless, onto my shoulders and attach themselves to my chair and to the back of my car seat. It is beginning, the cycle of chemo has started. My hair, my femininity is starting to erode - the cycle that begins with my hair and ends with my breast has started. I feel strangely calm, almost excited that the chemo is clearly working because if it does this to healthy, fighting cells, what is it doing to evil, twisted, abnormal cells?
The journey has begun in earnest. Ahead of me lie the valleys of fatigue, the mountains of having surgery and radiotherapy, the up hill roads of wigs, hats and scarves until finally, the road opens and I see before me the glorious dappled ocean of All Clear.
I have my bag on my back, a handkerchief on my head and my sunglasses on. Let's go....
Minerva
16 comments:
Now you're talking.
And without being flip about it, I think you are living up to the Wiesel quote on your flank, i.e., you are writing about "only what you alone can write."
Even in hard times, it is a good thing to live up to one's quotes.
Is your femininity starting to erode hon? Hair, breasts...true...But you'll come through this absolutely as feminine as you were when you started because you will retain all the you within. The inner you.
The chemo...and the cancer...won't touch that.
Hope you're feeling a little better today.
Keep that 'glorious dappled ocean of all clear' in your line of vision for a long time. I predict you will see it.
You go with your bad self. lol
Hope you are feeling better! :)
Femininity comes from inside, not outside, and you are not losing anything but a few outward signs of it.
You're in my thoughts, always.
Love the blog Minny.
But next time you come round for a curry please don't leave so much hair on our carpet - the cleaner wants more money.
Now, what about a double shave your head thing?
The Brother
Well "Minerva" I can loan you some of my hair until it's no longer necessary - you'll reach the ocean! I do have rather a lot. Love Jim Sturman
Oh Goddess of Wisdom...
Thinking of you... have just moved jobs to Godalming... Surrey is so expensive... not just Cobham!
...in desperate need of hair, so save me some! ...love to see you soon...
Grant
xxxxx
I sincerely hope that being chipper does not become work.
the only comment i can make on this post, and bearing in mind it comes from a male perspective, is yes, your hair naturally matters to you BUT, from my and every other males point of view, it doesn't detract from the real femmine you. remember sinead o'connor.
x
awesome attitude hun... :)
peace...
My family and I continue praying for you Minerva. Sending positive and healing thoughts your way.
(((HUGS)))
3T
Hi Minerva,
Nothing wrong with the bald look -I married a baldy! Some of us think it is a great look!
Hope today was a good day. Have been thinking about you a lot in the past weeks and send lots of love from Denis and me.
You will get there to destaintion 'All Clear'
Love Ali x
Hello Minerva
Great to talk to you darling
Loads of love Cathy xx
Just remember that when the cancer's beaten the journey has just begun. Enjoy the new view.
i just discovered your blog.
So sorry you have to go through this.
Do you know Melissa Etheridge's new song: " I run for life"? It's about her life and cancer.
I'm a writing/word addict also.
i'll be back.
mia
Post a Comment